Imperishable Inheritance

At Christmas Conference, there was a thing where you could and do an interactive walk through your Christian life thus far (called "Journey"). I was unable to partake, but one of the neat things they was that you made a bead bracelet where each bead represents a person in my life who has effected you spiritually. Well, I don't have beads, but I do have a blog! I would like to acknowledge those who have helped/influence me spiritually. It should be made clear that these are in no real particular order. The fact is that they are the people who have left the deepest mark upon my spiritual, and for that matter life, development.

Perry Poteet. Perry has been of course the largest influence (ok, so I'm prioritizing one). We have been through more together than I probably ever go through with anybody. We struggled as friends in high school (mostly because of me), saw our parents get divorced, ask questions about ourselves and our spiritual path, and other personal issues. He is my soul mate (that's right Miriam, he's my soul mate).

Christine Bourke. Christine was the one who took me in when I was new to Crusade. She showed me what the love of Christ was in practical application. No one else listened to my new age rants and ravings as much as her. It's sometimes difficult to put into words how much we can love somebody, and I cannot describe the depth of love I have for her.

John McClure. John was the person who shared the Gospel with me, and I consider him my first discipler. He also was the person who baptized me. He showed me the practical application of faith, but he also demonstrated that having good doctrine does not have to detract from spreading the love of Christ. His balance of desire for sharing the Gospel and having good doctrine is something I hope to attain.

Matt Martin. Matt is my current discipler, and he in all respects has been my first discipler. He is the one who listens to my struggles and I his. What I have learned most from Matt is his desire to lead a ministry under the guiding and authority of God; he continues to seek to glorify Christ in how he handles his administration of his ministries. He helps me to live my faith practically.

Trevor Traub. Trevor was a person who impacted me in how I view everything. He was the first person to get me to ask deeper questions, and I am so grateful for it. I have such an incredible amount of respect for Trevor's pursuit of truth, and it definitely had a big influence on my own pursuit. I hope he continues to search.

Gwen Robinson. If you were to ask me: "who has the best theology of anyone you know?" I would respond, "Gwen Robinson." Gwen is the embodiment of love and honor in her relationship with Christ. You can't be around her and not leave knowing that she is deeply in love with Jesus Christ.

Dr. William Irvine. Dr. Irvine was my one and only philosophy professor at WSU, and he was the one who gave me more tools to approach the pursuit of truth philosophically. He helped me to hone the way I think, and he continues to watch me as I develop personally and intellectually. He has certainly seen me practice a few religions!

Simon Foust. Simon got my eye originally when he ran the site: Speaking Rationally. He defended the Christian faith through reason and intelligent thought, and he made me see that it was possible to be an "intellectual" and be a believer on Christ. He continues to challenge me in my own doctrine, and I am proud to call him a brother.

Ashley Hesterman. Ashley has been a greater influence this year, because it wasn't until this year that I really got to know her; but even through the past couple of years I had much respect for her. She continues to uphold the Biblical mandate for how a woman is to interact in the Body, and I'm so inspired to see her search for upholding that position.

Pastor Terry Morgan. Pastor Morgan was my first pastor at Sovereign Grace Baptist. I have a deep respect for him. He was the person I kept trying to impress, but every time I would have a new theological concept he would have 3 books on the issue! He has certainly given me a great model in how to effectively and Biblically sheperd a flock.

Leroy Hammerstrom. I have learned so much from Leroy, and what I've learned the most is not from what he has said. He has and continues to lead his wife in ministry in a way that I hope to attain. When I think of an upright, theologically balanced, caring individual Leroy is in the top of that list. I am especially encouraged by his heeding the call to reach the nations.

Aaron Shafovaloff. I admit, If there were an "intellectual soulmate" Aaron would be that person. I understand Aaron so much and he I, because we have much of the same mannerisms and desire for theological inquisition. I have seen Aaron grow in incredible ways in the few years I've known him. I'm so inspired by his passion for the Biblical Christ and his desire to shout that from the roof tops.

Trisha Burns. Trisha was the first person that I truly interacted with who had a deep love for international students and the unreached. I know that Trisha has a true, deep, abiding desire to proclaim the Gospel to those that haven't heard. I continue to see her practice this, and I am so proud to be involved in the ministry she started.

Bobby Fleck. When no one else wants to go proclaim the Gospel, I know Bobby will. I have learned so much from his deep desire to proclaim the Gospel without reservation and compromise. I am also encouraged to see his deep desire to reach the unreached, and I am proud to call him my friend and brother.

Even though these are a few that stand out, they certainly are not the end of the list. There are a few more people that I would like to mention both of male and female. These individuals as well have played a huge role on my Christian development.

Men. Dad, Sean Wheeler, Jason Harmon, Jim Ryan, Jim Knapp, Andy McDonie, Nate Kincaid, Jeff Dehart, David Fultz, Jason Walters, Jesse Schlicher, Abhinav Krishna, Don Church, Lenny Tavernelli, Jason Wing, Rob Turner, Justin Schell, Travis Kavanaugh, Nick Nye.

Women. Mom, Amanda Vince, Kari David, Jessica Tullidge, Leslie Zate, Brittany Nye, Susie Oberer, Bethany Andrzejewski, Melissa Gossard, Janiece Brown, Sarah Cooney, Trinh Pham, Tiffany Wolf, Jennifer Karber.

And mad props to all my friends from The Traveling Team and IT Project '05!